While not a product that the average consumer would recognize, PORON, a microcellular urethane, is used in a wide range of applications, including in gaskets and sealing materials. It is also used in outdoor equipment because it not only absorbs shock, but it is also ideal to use because it will not compress or pack down even with repeated use.
In most applications Rogers PORON, made by the Rogers Corporation, is used in the automotive, electronics and the communication industry as a gasket and sealant material. Of course, new options in PORON products are always being developed, allowing this already versatile material to be used in increasingly diverse ways.
There are several reasons that PORON has become one of the go-to materials in the nonmetallic gasket production industry. Understanding the benefits it offers for different types of applications will help manufacturers, prototype developers and design and engineering teams to determine if this is the right material for your next project.
Compression Set Resistance
Many types of foam have a very low compression set. This means that with relatively low force the foam will become permanently deformed or flattened. In a gasket or a seal, this creates a very real problem with leaks once the compression set has been reached.
With Rogers PORON there is a significant compression set resistance. Over time and even with pressure, this material will continue to expand to its original thickness to retain the seal.
Non-Corrosive
As gaskets are often used to separate metal components as well as to prevent wear and tear while also developing a seal, the non-corrosive properties of PORON make it an ideal choice. It is also not going to become brittle and break or flake eliminating the risk of pieces of the gasket moving about through the system.
While not resistant to all chemicals, Rogers PORON is naturally resistant to many common chemicals. It is a good match in the automotive industries for gaskets and seals where heat, oil, gas or other fluids are present.
Another property of PORON is the low outgassing properties of this material. Without producing significant amounts of chemicals, it will not impact the performance or safety requirements for many different types of applications in consumer products.
With the use of PORON, designers also have a choice of the adhesive they wish to use. In a range of thicknesses and with the option to match with the adhesive that is the most effective, PORON continues to be one of the go-to options for many gasket and sealant needs.